SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5903

BYSenate Committee on Health Care & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Kreidler and Bauer)

Providing nursing home care for medically fragile children.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 28, 1989; March 1, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5903 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators West, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Johnson, Kreidler, Niemi.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  March 14, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 13, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Recent advances in medical technology have resulted in an ability to preserve the life of children with severe traumatic brain injuries or severe birth defects.  Some of these children are often medically fragile and require constant and intensive care beyond the level parents can provide.  Some are so profoundly impaired that they will probably never respond to rehabilitative treatment.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) provides services to medically fragile children and their families through the Division of Children, Youth and Family Services.  The department has the philosophy that medically fragile children should be retained in the home whenever possible.  Department services to these children and their families have focused on in- home services. 

Placement of medically fragile children in inpatient skilled nursing care facilities occurs on a very limited basis and through an exception policy only.  The state's nursing homes and hospitals currently do not have special care units for these children so children needing this level of care must leave the state.  Since the number of placements are low it is unlikely given current department policies that special units will be developed.

SUMMARY:

Intent language states that inpatient skilled nursing care placements for children with severe physical and mental disabilities should be part of the state's long-term care continuum. 

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is directed to develop a plan for providing inpatient skilled nursing care placements for medically fragile children.  The plan shall identify children in need of this level of care, facilities capable or willing to provide the care, proposed standards for the facilities, and federal funds available.  The department shall develop an implementation plan and schedule for providing such care.  A report with recommendations for legislation is due to the appropriate legislative committees by December 1, 1989.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 15, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Melissa Allen, St. Peter's Hospital (pro); Jill Dickinson (pro); Mike Hall, Ginny Hall, parents (pro)